PDC ORDER OF MERIT AFTER THE 2019 PDC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

You’ll never guess who’s top of the PDC Order of Merit.

Michael van Gerwen’s spell as world number one will continue his spell at the top of the rankings. Victory over Michael Smith in the PDC World Championship final adds £500,000 to the Dutchman’s earnings. His total of £1,603,500 puts him well ahead of Rob Cross. Smith, the beaten finalist, now occupies sixth spot on the Order of Merit.

Burton DeWitt tabulated the standings, accounting for players on a one-year Tour Card and outside the world’s top 64. It means a number of well-known players are now absent, such as Paul Nicholson and Jamie Caven.

Nathan Aspinall’s World Championship run installs him as the new world number 35. Impressive runs from Brendan Dolan, Ryan Joyce and Luke Humphries put them in 40th, 51st and 57th respectively. Previously lacking a Tour Card, Krzysztof Ratajski’s PDC Pro Tour spot is secured thanks to earnings of £78,000 in 2018.

Thanks to his two-year Tour Card, Alan Tabern sits one spot outside the world’s top 64, but will be back next year in a bid to keep it.